In their article on technology-enabled knowledge translation, Kendall Ho and colleagues1 emphasize physicians' need to “locate and access evidence to support decision-making.” Organizing information, particularly electronic information, is exactly what libraries do, and we commend the initiative that Ho and colleagues describe.
The Canadian Health Libraries Association has proposed a National Network of Libraries for Health, which would build on existing resources and ensure universal access to licensed publications available through the Web. The proposal was recognized in the Romanow report2 and is supported by Health Canada, the Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information, the Association of Canadian Medical Colleges, the US National Library of Medicine and the Canadian Cochrane Network and Centre. However, it has not yet been funded.
Jessie McGowan Co-Chair Jim Henderson Member Patrick Ellis Co-Chair Task Force for the National Network of Libraries for Health Canadian Health Libraries Association Toronto, Ont.
References
- 1.Ho K, Chockalingam A, Best A, Walsh G. Technology-enabled knowledge translation: building a framework for collaboration [editorial]. CMAJ 2003;168(6):710-1. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
- 2.Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada (Romanow RJ, chair). Building on values: the future of health care in Canada. Saskatoon: The Commission; 2002. Available: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/pdf/care/romanow_e.pdf (accessed 2003 Jun 4).